Originality is a rare trait when it comes to video games. If one project ends up being popular, fans can expect a handful of similar efforts in a few months. Success breeds imitation. It happened with “Minecraft,” “Guitar Hero” and “Street Fighter II”

That’s why fans should appreciate “Dishonored 2.” Few titles are as original as Arkane Studios’ first-person stealth game. The sequel gives players the option of choosing the protagonist — either the Empress Emily Kaldwin or Royal Protector Corvo Attano, her father and the hero of the original.

The single-player experience kicks off with a coup d’etat, as the usurper Delilah Copperspoon and her benefactor, Duke Luca Abele, rush Emily’s throne room in a surprise attack. Corvo tries to defend his daughter, and this is where “Dishonored 2” gets interesting: Either Corvo or Emily will be turned to stone, and players will control the remaining hero for the rest of the game.

Delilah Copperspoon is the leader of the coup that unseats Empress Emily Kaldwin and her father Corvo Attano. (Bethesda Softworks)

Players manage to escape the custody of Delilah and find refuge on a ship called the Dreadful Wale. From there, they sail off to the Mediterranean-like city of Karnaca, where most of the campaign takes place. This city, on the island of Serkonos, holds the secrets behind Delilah’s coup, and — as Emily or Corvo — players delve into her history to discover how to defeat her.

“Dishonored 2” follows the structure of the original through nine levels. Players target one of Delilah’s supporters, and figure out how to eliminate the mark. The fun in the game isn’t the destination, though — it’s the process of getting there.

That involves plenty of exploration as players travel down dark alleys and clamber through empty apartments. Emily and Corvo each have distinct sets of powers, given to them by the Other, a supernatural being who rules the Void.

As Emily, I could zip to an open apartment window with the Far Reach power. Faced with armed guards, I could ambush them and knock them all out with the Domino ability. “Dishonored 2” favors those who use the powers creatively. Often they discover secret rooms full of treasure and alternate routes that bypass squads of adversaries.

Far Reach is one of Emily Kaldwin’s special powers. It lets her travel long distance that normal people cannot. (Bethesda Softworks)

The abilities make it possible for players to go through the campaign without spilling a drop of blood. But for those who want to turn the game into a shooter, “Dishonored 2” can handle that style as well. Players can locate blueprints that enable them to upgrade their weapons. And they can craft bone charms that enhance their abilities. Some powers help them create distractions so they can escape opponents.

What makes “Dishonored 2” so compelling is the freedom to negotiate its enormous levels. The solid gameplay paired with intricate and evocative level design make for a magical mix. Arkane Studios gives players a deeper look into its steampunk world, and Karnaca exhibits creative diversity in its architecture and locales. It’s a way more compelling place than Dunwall, the dour setting of the original.

The developer also breaks other new ground. Players will come across a mansion that can be transformed with the pull of a lever. The complexity of the stage is breathtaking at times. Further on, they’ll encounter a scenario where they’ll have to jump forward and backward in time. The missions will test a player’s puzzle-solving skills.

Meagan Foster is one of Emily Kaldwin’s allies in “Dishonored 2.” Foster captains the ship, the Dreadful Wale. (Bethesda Softworks)

While the gameplay and level design are enough to carry “Dishonored 2,” the story isn’t as strong. It follows the path of a revenge tale, but it’s hard for players to connect with any of the secondary characters, such as Meagan Foster or Anton Sokolov. The villains and their stories prove more intriguing as players uncover them over the course of the adventure. This discrepancy makes the twists and reveals toward the end feel hollow.

The only other issue with “Dishonored 2” is that, though it’s more polished than the original, the formula isn’t much different. There’s just more of it, which isn’t so bad. There’s increased attention to detail as enemies and civilians go about their scripted lives, but the artificial intelligence and how they react hasn’t evolved much. Enemies still chase you when they see you, and run into traps set by players. Players can still steal a stranger’s belongings without much reaction, which breaks the spell cast by the game.

“Dishonored 2” shows Arkane Studios doubling down on what it does best, definitely an impressive feat.

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